Starting a Business Series: I want to start a business – I just don't know what it is yet

So, you've decided that it's time you became your own boss. You have the drive, the ambition and the guts…you're just missing the idea.

Think of all your interests and ask yourself if any of those could be expanded into a business. Compile a list of all the activities you love doing as well as any education or experiences.

Just keep in mind...what's your expertise? What are your interests? What could you imagine yourself doing?

By researching the prospect of starting your own business -- what it entails, what you need to know, helpful hints, etc -- you'll feel better prepared to take that plunge.

There are some great sites out there that offer information and the need-to-know basics for the new business owner. I recommend checking these out:

Small Business Administration
Entrepreneur
Start Up Journal, Wall Street Journal
Nolo’s Starting a Business – Resource Center

Here are some books that should get you going in the right direction:

* 101 Internet Businesses You Can Start from Home by Susan Sweeney
* The Best Home Businesses for the 21st Century by Paul Edwards
* Selling Online: How to Become a Successful E-Commerce Merchant by Jim Carroll
* I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was: How to Discover What You Really Want and How to Get It by Barbara Sher
* I Don't Know What I Want, But I Know It's Not This: A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Gratifying Work by Julie Jansen

And lastly, there are many free resources out there that will get the cogs turning. Check out these articles:

5 New and Lesser Known Online Business Ideas by Rojo Sunsen
How to Find Hot Online Business Ideas by Jeff Smith
Types of Internet Opportunity (What's It All About?) by Yigit Djevdet
Guide to Internet Business – Concept & Opportunities by Steven O. Ng
Top 7 Home Business Ideas by Jennifer Carter
Best Home Business Ideas – How to Choose One by Frederic Madore
Home Based Business Ideas by Kent Pinkerton
How to Start a Low Cost Home Based Business by Randy Wilson

With a little mental elbow grease and soul searching, figuring out what you want to do can be a fun and enlightening experience.

Starting tomorrow, I'll get into specifics for industries.

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